"They're Doing Something That Actually No One Else Can Do": A Qualitative Study of Peer Support and Primary Care Integration. Issue 1 (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mayer, Melissa K.; Urlaub, Diana M.; Guzman-Corrales, Laura M.; Kowitt, Sarah D.; Shea, Christopher M.; Fisher, Edwin B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of ambulatory care management. Volume 39:Issue 1(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: care coordination -- community health worker -- medical home -- patient-centered -- primary care; Ambulatory medical care -- Administration -- Periodicals; Ambulatory medical care -- United States -- Administration -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Administration -- Periodicals; Community health services -- United States -- Administration -- Periodicals; Health planning -- Periodicals; Health planning -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.12
• DOI: 10.1097/JAC.0000000000000079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-9917

Abstract

Abstract : Peer support (PS) is a strategy for improving quality of care for people with chronic disease and is increasingly being integrated with primary care. We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 18 staff members from 4 practices that have integrated PS and primary care. From these interviews, we identified several benefits of PS and primary care integration as well as challenges to integrating and sustaining PS programs. We also identified key considerations and strategies for facilitating integration. Strategies for developing messaging to promote understanding of the unique role of peer supporters are discussed.